Carolina Tread Trail Corridor Feasibility Study

Transcription

1 DRAFT Town of Mooresville Carolina Tread Trail Corridor Feasibility Study July 2012

2

3 table of contents 5 acknowledgements 7 summary of process 9 community involvement 10 alternative alignment analysis 12 alignment recommendations 13 project study area map 14 preferred alignment map 15 property owner support map 16 proposed alignment map 17 corridor segments descriptions Segment 1 Academy Street Park to the abandoned sewer plant Segment 2 Segment 3 Segment 4 Segment 5 Segment 6 Segment 7 Segment 8 35 appendix Criteria Matrix Abandoned sewer plant to White Oaks Road White Oaks Road to Bellingham Park Bellingham Park to Town of Mooresville property Town of Mooresville property to Rocky River Road Rocky River Road to Curtis Pond Subdivision Curtis Pond Subdivision to Johnson Dairy Road Johnson Dairy Road to Iredell County line Alternative Alignment Analysis Matrix Results Opinion of Probable Cost Cost Estimate Assumptions Meeting Summaries Precedent Study for Trails in Hunting Lands Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 3

4 We have a vision for delivering outdoor recreation opportunities close to home for all Americans: a network of Greenways, created by local action, linking private and public recreation areas in linear corridors of land and water. Greenways can bring access to the natural world to every American, and can eventually...link our communities and our recreation areas together across the nation. President s Commission on Americans and the Outdoors,

5 acknowledgements steering committee members Allison Kraft, Town of Mooresville Wanda McKenzie, Town of Mooresville Debbie Marsh, Mooresville Graded School District Elinor Hiltz, Iredell County Patrick Norman, NCDOT Steve Bridges, NCDOT Dee Browder, NCDNR Brad Jones, resident Andrew Schwaba, resident Dan Brewer, resident town of mooresville Neil Burke, AICP, Transportation Planner carolina thread trail Randi Gates, Community and Grants Coordinator Rox Anne Smith, Catawba Land Conservancy Special thanks to: The citizens of the Town of Mooresville and Iredell County landdesign consultant team Beth Poovey Matthew Vinten Brian Elliot (LDSI, Inc) Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 5

6 Academy Street Park Moor Park Nesbit Park Mooresville High Shearers Road South Elementary School Coddle Creek Hwy HWY 3 Proposed Alignment Aerial White Oaks Road Bellingham Park Mooresville Middle Mooresville Intermediate Rocky River Elementary Dye Creek Johnson Dairy Road Coddle Creek Elementary Shearers Road Coddle Creek Hwy HWY 3 Iredell County Mecklenburg County Cabarrus County APPROX. scale 1 = 2400

7 summary of process The intent of this report is to summarize the feasibility analysis in determining the location of the Carolina Thread Trail (The Thread) between Academy Street Park and the Iredell County line following the Dye Creek/Rocky River corridor. Based on the adopted Master Plan for Iredell County communities, this 6.3 mile corridor was identified as Route Y and further classified as a Thread Priority Segment for the Town of Mooresville. This segment will provide the residents of Mooresville with connections to local schools, parks and Main Street to walk or bike to downtown shops and restaurants. Residents will be able to take longer trips into Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County to the south as these segments are planned and built. Imagine biking to Harrisburg to ride the 7-1/2 gauge miniature train, enjoy an ice cream on the quaint streets of Davidson, bird watch in the Abersham Preserve, rent a cabin in Love Valley, or visit Statesville to get spooked on a ghost tour or smash a pumpkin at the annual Pumpkin festival. The opportunities for residents of Mooresville, the region, and tourists from near and far, to connect to each other and experience the region s unique destinations by foot, bike, canoe and horse will continue to grow as more and more trail is planned and built. project history town of mooresville The Town of Mooresville has long been known for embracing its rich historical past. The town began its roots in the mid 1850s, when a railroad company needed a spur for cotton weighing scales. John Franklin Moore donated the land from his plantation for the railroad and a Depot and provided additional land for people to build upon. Eventually this land became known as Moore s Siding, until being incorporated March 3, 1873 by the North Carolina General Assembly as the Town of Mooresville. The Town of Mooresville has continued to transform itself from its origins of cotton fields and railroad town to a town known for textile mills and furniture factories, now known as Race City, USA. The Town of Mooresville has embraced the future, but not lost sight of its past. Known for it s picturesque downtown, with an old timey segment key map 1 Academy Street Park to the abandoned sewer plant 2 Abandoned sewer plant to White Oaks Road 3 White Oaks Road to Bellingham Park 4 Bellingham Park to Town of Mooresville property 5 Town of Mooresville property to Rocky River Road 6 Rocky River Road to Curtis Pond Subdivision 7 Curtis Pond Subdivision to Johnson Dairy Road 8 Johnson Dairy Road to Iredell County line Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 7

8 summary of process hardware shop, a variety of local restaurants, numerous festivals year round, and surrounded by historic residential neighborhoods, which once housed the workers from the mills. The corridor follows Dye Creek, named as a result of the changing color of the water which told residents what color of dye was being used in the mill that day. If it was blue- they new they were dying blue jeans. an alternative route is determined, typically utilizing existing street right of way. 3. Proposed Alignment: illustrates a combination of the Preferred Alignment and the Property Owner Support. The trail varies from the Preferred Alignment in places where trail access has not been granted from property owners. project purpose The Dye Creek/Rocky River corridor feasibility study commenced in January It is building off of a previous plan for a greenway along the Dye Creek Corridor from The purpose of the study is to find the best location for the future trail corridor Y - connecting from Academy Street Park through the mill village neighborhood, running south to joining the Dye Creek corridor, then connecting to the Rocky River corridor and ending where the Rocky River crosses the Iredell County line. At this point the trail will continue into Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties, the exact alignment yet to be determined by their respective communities. project process summary There were several steps that were taken to develop the Proposed Alignment, which are described in detail in this report: Community Involvement Alternative Alignment Analysis Alignment Recommendation As a result of the study and these steps, three maps were produced to document and illustrate the process: 1. Preferred Alignment: illustrates the alignment that best fits the project goals and objectives - this alignment depicts the highest ranked alignment from the criteria matrix. 2. Property Owner Support: illustrates whether or not property owner is willing to allow trail access on their property. If a property owner indicates they are not willing to allow the trail on their property Property owners reviewing maps and illustrations presented during a Property Owner Preview meeting. Steering Committee members reviewing the field guide during the field walk. 8

9 community involvement The community was engaged throughout the planning process through several avenues and levels. This included a steering committee, stakeholder interviews, community meetings and property owner meetings. steering committee A steering committee, consisting of a wide mix of stakeholders and residents, was selected by the Town of Mooresville and included staff from the Catawba Land Conservancy,, local government agencies and concerned citizens (refer to Acknowledgements for list of steering committee members). This committee helped facilitate the planning process by developing and prioritizing the project goals and objectives and reviewing the recommendations and analysis. stakeholder interviews To verify and supplement the background data and project goals, the team conducted informational interviews with key personnel from the Town of Mooresville, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties, NCDOT and key community group representatives. The purpose for the interviews was twofold: a) to ensure that existing documentation and pertinent data had been identified and collected for review and assessment by the design team, and b) to gain qualitative input from the professionals working most closely with the subject matter of the corridor and potential users. (See Appendix for a copy of meeting minutes, Public meeting attendees discuss their opinion about the project with members of the Project Team. dated February 9, 2012) community meetings Two sets of open-house style public meetings where held with property owner previews scheduled prior to them. The first series of public meetings were divided over two days and two geographical locations, February 21 & 23, 2012, to help cover the 6.3 mile corridor; day 1 for residents located north of South Elementary School and day 2 for residents located south of South Elementary School. The purpose of the first meeting was to provide an opportunity for the community to become acquainted with the purpose of the project, the process through which recommendations would be developed, and to solicit ideas and concerns regarding the planned trail. Prior to the public meetings adjacent property owners were invited to view the information. Property owners were asked to indicate whether they would allow a greenway access easement for the on their property. A second property owner preview was held on April 23rd, and a second public meeting on May 3, 2012, At both meetings, the Proposed Alignment recommendation was presented. Any additional comments received from the community were used to make adjustments to the final trail alignment. (See Appendix for meeting summary) Public participants giving input during the Public Open House Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 9

10 alternative alignment analysis project goals and objectives The project s goals and objectives were critical in formulating criteria used to rate the different alignments. The is a community driven process, which means each community helps determine the trail location, character and implementation process. The goals and objectives for the project were developed at the beginning of this study with the Steering Committee and brought before the community at each public meeting for refinement and feedback. The goals and objectives, listed below in order of priority, were used to develop a scoring system to rank each proposed trail alignment. Each alignment was numerically ranked to reflect how it best fit the project s goals and objectives. goal: Minimize impacts to property owners objective: Address property owner s concerns about safety. goal: Cost effective to implement and maintain objective: Align trail on land which requires the least amount of physical impact to the natural environment adjacent to the trail. Select a trail surface that meets the needs of the users and is cost effective to maintain over the life cycle of the trail surface. goal: Improve the safety for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles in this corridor objective: Consider safety in the planning and design of the corridor particularly at street and driveway crossings. Maximize separation between trail users and vehicles. Minimize impacts to vehicular transportation networks. goal: Maximize benefits to the public objective: Appeal to wide range of user groups and abilities. Provide access to South Elementary School and study areas to Mooresville High School. Highly Functional - provide convenient, accessible, direct connectivity to schools, parks, and downtown. Aesthetically appealing to the surrounding environment and for the user. Positive economic benefit for the Town of Mooresville businesses and residents. Provide connectivity to the destinations and other identified routes. goal: Provide non-motorized access from the Cabarrus/ Mecklenburg County line north along the Rocky River corridor to Dye Creek corridor objective: Provide pedestrian & bike links to improve air quality, reduce vehicle usage, provide alternative means of transportation. goal: Improve the physical and visual environment along the corridor objective: Trail should enhance the visual impact to the area and for adjacent landowners. Design the project to have a positive impact on the environment directly and indirectly. goal: Function as part of the regional system objective: Provide connectivity to the future destinations and other future identified routes. 10

11 alternative alignment analysis alternative alignments The corridor study area was divided into eight segments based on adjacent land use, road crossings, character, and opportunities and constraints. Each segment was individually analyzed to determine the best location for the trail within the study area. The three location options were: a) west side of Dye Creek / Rocky River b) east side of Dye Creek / Rocky River, or c) an alternative alignment criteria matrix The Team developed a criteria matrix to evaluate and compare how well each segment alignment alternative met the goals and objectives of the project. The evaluation criteria (see Appendix) encompassed a wide range of issues related to adjacent property owner impacts, adjacent property owner concerns, public safety, environmental impacts, cost and aesthetics. The criteria were weighted based on their importance, from zero (low benefit or high negative impact) to fifteen (high benefit or low negative impact). The criteria matrix provided an objective evaluation of each of the alternative alignments for each of the eight (8) segments. Each segment was scored individually so that the best possible alignment was identified for each segment. The results of the criteria matrix and ranking for each trail segment are shown in the Appendix. property owner support Since landowner support is vital to the implementation of the trail, a second level of analysis was performed. The Preferred Alignment showed the location based on the project goals and objectives. If a landowner indicated during the public outreach process that they were not willing to grant a trail easement, an alternative route was identified. If portions of the Preferred Alignment become available for greenway access in the future, the alignment can be refocused to the preferred route. In addition to the trail alignment, public input was solicited to identify a preferred trail surface and segment prioritization. For the trail surface exercise, the public was asked to identify their preference for trail surface types: natural surface (Figure 1), crushed stone (Figure 2), or asphalt (Figure 3). Asphalt surface was identified as the preference (Refer to Appendix, Meeting Summary for results). Public input was also solicited to rank if certain segments had a higher priority with regards to implementation. This exercise helped identify which segment may be phased. Segment 4 was given the highest priority, followed by Segment 5 (Refer to Appendix, Meeting #1 Summary for vote totals). preferred alignment Using the criteria matrix an alignment that best met the project goals and objectives was identified. This is called the Preferred Alignment. In most cases the Preferred Alignment was on the east side of the Dye Creek/Rocky River corridor. The scoring results of the criteria matrix are illustrated on the Preferred Alignment Map, refer to page 14. Property Owners discussing the proposed trail alignment during the Property Owner Preview Reception at the old Mooresville Mill. Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 11

12 alignment recommendations proposed alignment With the outreach and input from property owners, residents, stakeholders, and guidance from the steering committee, a Proposed Alignment was identified. The map shown on page 16 is the Proposed Alignment for Route Y. As the map illustrates, a significant portion of the Preferred Alignment is reflected. When the greenway cannot follow the Preferred Alignment, the map shows alternative alignments (yellow dots/squares) until the opportunity presents itself to follow the preferred corridor. Also shown are secondary connections (orange dots/ squares) offering greenway users the ability to link to schools facilities nearby. The map also illustrates proposed trail facilities and bridge crossings associated with the trail alignment. Additionally, within the southern portion of Route Y, design consideration and/or trail user guidelines for the integration of greenway trail and hunting should be further explored with property owners, should greenway easements be available in the future along the preferred alignment (see Appendix for recommendations.) Figure 1 - Natural Surface Trail Figure 2 - Crushed Stone Surface Trail At some point in the future, if permission is granted from property owners, the trail alignment should be changed to the Preferred Alignment as this location best meets the overall project goals. In the Proposed Alignment often user appeal and safety is diminished compared to the Preferred Alignment. The alternate routes used for the Proposed Alignment provide increased pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to schools and neighborhoods, which will provide great benefits to the community. If their designation as a CTT route is removed, they should still be priority projects for creating secondary connections to the Thread and within the community. Figure 3 - Asphalt Surface Trail phasing recommendation Phase 1 - Segments 4,5,6 and 7 Phase 2 - Segments 1, 2 and 3 Phase 3 - Segment 8 Figure 4 - Asphalt Surface Trail along Rural Road 12

13 Project Study Area 1/4 mile radius APPROX. scale 1 = 2400

14 Shearers Road Academy Street Park Moor Park Nesbit Park Mooresville High Shearers Road Coddle Creek Hwy HWY 3 Preferred Alignment with aerial South Elementary White Oaks Road Mooresville Middle Bellingham Park Mooresville Intermediate Rocky River Elementary Dye Creek Rocky River Road R o c k y R i v e r Johnson Dairy Road Coddle Creek Elementary Coddle Creek Hwy HWY 3 Mecklenburg County Iredell County Cabarrus County APPROX. scale 1 = 2400

15 Academy Street Park Moor Park Nesbit Park Mooresville High Shearers Road Coddle Creek Hwy HWY 3 Property Owner Support South Elementary School White Oaks Road Mooresville Middle Bellingham Park Mooresville Intermediate Rocky River Elementary Dye Creek Johnson Dairy Road Coddle Creek Elementary Shearers Road Coddle Creek Hwy HWY 3 Mecklenburg County Iredell County Cabarrus County APPROX. scale 1 = 2400

16 Academy Street Park Moor Park Nesbit Park Mooresville High Shearers Road Coddle Creek Hwy HWY 3 Proposed Alignment South Elementary School White Oaks Road Mooresville Middle Bellingham Park Mooresville Intermediate Rocky River Elementary R o c k y R Dye Creek i v e r Johnson Dairy Road Coddle Creek Elementary Shearers Road Coddle Creek Hwy HWY 3 Mecklenburg County Iredell County Cabarrus County APPROX. scale 1 = 2400

17 corriodr segment descriptions

18 Proposed Alignment Segment 1 Mooresville Mill Nesbit Park Dye Creek NTS

19 corridor segment 1 Academy Street Park to the abandoned sewer plant vicinity map 1 trail builder Town of Mooresville trail funding strategy Grant NCDOT Transportation Funding NC Safe Routes to School Funding Recreational Trails Program Private Funding Campaign segment facts* Total Length: 4,750 lf/0.89 miles Trail: 2,300 lf R/W: 2,450 lf Road Crossings: 4+ Stream Crossings: 1 Rail Crossings: 1 Recommended Trail Surface: Sidewalk/Asphalt estimated costs Trail Construction: $172,500 New Sidewalk: $61,250 Road Crossings: $4,000 Water Crossings: $100,000 Rail Crossing: $6,750 route description The Preferred Alignment and the Proposed Alignment are the same for segment 1. Beginning of trail at Academy Street Park Segment 1 would begin at the Academy Street Park connecting to Moor Park on the east side. The trail would cross over Main Street and the railroad tracks following Brawley Avenue, Summer Street to Nesbit Park. The trail continues through Nesbit Park to Mills Avenue, then follow the utility easement to the abandoned sewer plant and after crossing Dye Creek. opportunities and challenges Nesbit Park with the Mooresville Mill in the background 1. There are several great opportunities for trailheads along this segment at Moor Park, Nesbit Park and the abandoned sewer plant. 2. The trail can also bring in historical connections to the Mooresville Mill and Mill Village. 3. The trail could be incorporated into the redevelopment of the Mill property to provide a unique amenity for trail users and help activate the redevelopment. Abandoned sewer plan with environmental learning opportunities 4. The abandoned sewer plant also provides an educational opportunity about waste water and the history of the mill and Dye Creek. * segment facts and estimated cost to construct Proposed Alignment

20 Proposed Alignment Segment 2 South Elementary School NTS

21 corridor segment 2 Abandoned sewer plant to White Oaks Road vicinity map 2 trail builder Town of Mooresville trail funding strategy Grant NCDOT Transportation Funding NC Safe Routes to School Funding Recreational Trails Program Private Funding Campaign segment facts* Total Length: 13,850 lf/2.62 miles Trail: 2,550 lf R/W: 11,300 lf Road Crossings/Intersections: 13+ Stream Crossings: 1 Recommended Trail Surface: Pedestrians utilize existing sidewalks and bikes share the road. Where no sidewalks exist, the cost estimate has included the cost of new 5 sidewalk on 1 side. estimated costs Trail Construction: $191,250 New Sidewalk: $67,500 Road Crossings: $13,000 Stream Crossings: $100,000 route description The Preferred Alignment continues along the east side of Dye Creek from the abandoned sewer plant to White Oaks Road paralleling the creek corridor. Portion of Dye Creek along Segment 2. View of property along Dye Creek near South Elementary School South Elementary School outdoor classroom along Dye Creek The Proposed Alignment begins on the east side of Dye Creek from the abandoned sewer plant to Genesis Health Care property, follows along Glenwood Drive to east on Cabarrus Avenue where it connects to Mooresville High School. The route turns south on Magnolia Street and connects to South Elementary School. The route continues on South Magnolia Street and turns east on Heatherly Road and south on Fieldstone Road, Crossing White Oak Road and connecting into Bellingham Park. opportunities and challenges 1. This segment faced a lack of support from property owners, and therefore follows an alternative alignment identified along road right of ways. If an opportunity arises to locate the trail along the Dye Creek corridor the main trail location should be revised 2. The alternative route provides a great opportunity to connect the trail with schools. The trail also opens up recreational opportunities to residents of the Genesis Health Care facility. 3. There are 2 tributary crossings and 1 unmarked tributary crossing along the southern property line of South Elementary School. * segment facts and estimated cost to construct Proposed Alignment

22 Proposed Alignment Segment 3 Dye Creek NTS

23 corridor segment 3 White Oaks Road to Bellingham Park vicinity map 3 trail builder Town of Mooresville segment facts* Total Length: 1,900 lf/0.36 miles Trail: 0 lf R/W: 1,900 lf Road Crossings/Intersections: 0+ Stream Crossings: 0 Recommended Trail Surface: Pedestrians utilize existing sidewalks and bikes share the road. Where no trail funding strategy Grant NCDOT Transportation Funding NC Safe Routes to School Funding Recreational Trails Program Private Funding Campaign sidewalks exist, the cost estimate has included the cost of new 5 sidewalk on 1 side. estimated costs Trail Construction: $0 New Sidewalk: $0 Road Crossings: $0 Stream Crossings: $0 White Oaks Road culvert crossing Dye Creek route description The Preferred Alignment begins at White Oaks Road and continues to the existing greenway trail at Bellingham Park following the Dye Creek corridor south. The Proposed Alignment begins at the White Oaks Road crossing at Fieldstone Road and continues along Fieldstone Road using existing sidewalk and roadway to Bellingham Park, where the route connects to the existing trail system and follows the Dye Creek corridor south. opportunities and challenges Dye Creek south of White Oaks Road crossing Bellingham Park s trails are well used. 1. The existing Bellingham Park will serve as a trailhead and destination for many trail users. 2. White Oaks Road culvert has been severally eroded at the bottom of the culvert. For the preferred alignment the trail location would have to be further studied to determine if a trail could be accommodated within the culvert. 3. There is a section of the preferred alignment that appears as a spur on the proposed alignment map. This section had property owner support, but currently does not offer a connection to the north. The construction of this section in not incorporated in the estimate above. See the appendix for a more detailed cost estimate. * segment facts and estimated cost to construct Proposed Alignment

24 Proposed Alignment Segment 4 NTS

25 corridor segment 4 Bellingham Park to Town of Mooresville property vicinity map 4 trail builder Town of Mooresville segment facts* Total Length: 5,200 lf/0.98 miles Trail: 1,700 lf R/W: 3,500 lf Road Crossings/Intersections: 2 Stream Crossings: 1 Recommended Trail Surface: Pedestrians utilize existing sidewalks and bikes share the road. Where no trail funding strategy Grant NCDOT Transportation Funding NC Safe Routes to School Funding Recreational Trails Program Private Funding Campaign sidewalks exist, the cost estimate has included the cost of new 5 sidewalk on 1 side. estimated costs Trail Construction: $127,500 New Sidewalk: $87,500 Road Crossings: $2,000 Stream Crossings: $100,000 r oute description The Preferred Alignment follows the trail through Bellingham Park along the existing greenway paralleling Dye Creek and ends at the southern limits of the Town of Mooresville property adjacent to the Woodlands Subdivision. The Proposed Alignment follows the trail through Bellingham Park and uses the existing Woodlands neighborhood connection to Bellingham Park and pedestrian bridge to connect to the north side of River Birch Circle. The route turns south on the west side of Kisler Farm Road and continues to the end of the Woodlands subdivision limits. The trail through Bellingham Park is already built and designated as a CTT route. opportunities and challenges 1. Bellingham Park has built trail. 2. Pedestrian and bicycle connections between Mooresville Middle School and Rocky River Elementary to Bellingham Park and the should be explored further. 3. This segment offers several existing greenway connections to neighborhoods on both sides of Dye Creek. Pedestrian bridge crossing Dye Creek to Bellingham Park 4. Bellingham Park greenway can be used to illustrate to the community how the remainder of the greenway might be designed and look. * segment facts and estimated cost to construct Proposed Alignment

26 Proposed Alignment Segment 5 Dye Creek Rocky River Road NTS

27 corridor segment 5 Town of Mooresville property to Rocky River Road vicinity map trail builder Town of Mooresville / Iredell County trail funding strategy Grant NCDOT Transportation Funding Recreational Trails Program Private Funding Campaign 5 segment facts* Total Length: 4,400 lf/0.83 miles Trail: 800 lf R/W: 3,600 lf Road Crossings/Intersections: 0 Stream Crossings: 0 Recommended Trail Surface: Pedestrians utilize existing sidewalks and bikes share the road. Where no sidewalks exist, the cost estimate has included the cost of new 5 sidewalk on 1 side. estimated costs Trail Construction: $60,000 New Sidewalk: $90,000 Road Crossings: $0 Stream Crossings: $0 Even without a trail people are utilizing the Dye Creek corridor as a quiet destination spot. route description The Preferred Alignment would connect the Town owned property adjacent to the Woodlands subdivision along the east side of Dye Creek to Rocky River Road. The Proposed Alignment continues south on the west side of Kisler Farm Road from the Woodlands subdivision entrance and turns west on the north side Rocky River Road. A trail underpass is preferred under Rocky River Road, but would require further investigation. opportunities and challenges Rocky River Road bridge crossing 1. Segment 5 provides a great opportunity to continue the momentum from the existing greenway at Bellingham Park. 2. This segment was challenged on the west side by significant amounts of wetlands. 3. There are only two property owners for this length of proposed trail, whose property extends to both sides of the creek. This neighborhood connection will be used as the Preferred route until a route along Dye Creek can be secured. 4. The alternate route in this segment does not provide a lot of additional benefits, and would require a significant investment in infrastructure for pedestrian and bike safety, therefore further engagement of the property owners for a trail easement should be a priority. * segment facts and estimated cost to construct Proposed Alignment

28 Dye Creek Proposed Alignment Segment 6 Rocky River Road Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant Rocky River NTS

29 corridor segment 6 Rocky River Road to Curtis Pond Subdivision vicinity map 6 trail builder Town of Mooresville segment facts* Total Length: 3,550 lf/0.67 miles Trail: 3,550 lf R/W: 0 lf Road Crossings/Intersections: 0 Road Underpass: 1 Stream Crossings: 1 Recommended Trail Surface: Asphalt trail funding strategy Grant NCDOT Transportation Funding NC Safe Routes to School Funding Recreational Trails Program Private Funding Campaign estimated costs Trail Construction: $266,250 New Sidewalk: $0 Road Crossings: $0 Stream Crossings: $100,000 route description The Preferred Alignment and the Proposed Alignment are the same for segment 6. Both alignments require further study for a trail underpass at Road River Road Bridge. Steering Committee members review potential road crossing at Rocky River Road The Proposed Alignment begins at Rocky River Road bridge, follows Dye Creek to the southern limit of Curtis Pond subdivision. opportunities and challenges 1. This segment of Route Y follows an existing utility corridor between Dye Creek and Curtis Pond Subdivision residential lots, making an ideal location ready for trail implementation. 2. Provides direct access to residents of Curtis Pond to the Carolina Thread Trail. Steering Committee members walking along the utility corridor adjacent to Curtis Pond Steering Committee members discussing Rocky River Road pedestrian underpass for the trail * segment facts and estimated cost to construct Proposed Alignment

30 Proposed Alignment Segment 7 Wastewater Treatment Plant R o c k y R i ve r Dye Creek Johnson Dairy Road R o c k y R i v e r NTS

31 corridor segment 7 Curtis Pond Subdivision to Johnson Dairy Road vicinity map trail builder Town of Mooresville trail funding strategy Grant NCDOT Transportation Funding NC Safe Routes to School Funding Recreational Trails Program Private Funding Campaign 7 segment facts Total Length: 3,000 lf/0.57 miles Trail: 3,000 lf R/W: 0 lf Road Crossings/Intersections: 0+ Stream Crossings: 0 Recommended Trail Surface: Asphalt estimated costs Trail Construction: $225,000 New Sidewalk: $0 Road Crossings: $0 Stream Crossings: $0 route description The Preferred Alignment and the Proposed Alignment are the same for segment 7. Johnson Dairy Road bridge The trail continues along Dye Creek from the southern limit of Curtis Pond subdivision to Johnson Dairy Road, through the new wastewater treatment facility. opportunities and challenges 1. Property is currently owned by the Town of Mooresville and is ready for trail implementation along the existing utility corridor. Pedestrian underpass opportunities at Johnson Dairy Road bridge 2. The wastewater treatment plant provides an opportunity for a primary trailhead at the southern portion of Route Y. 3. It is recommended that segment 4, 5, 6, and 7 be a priority focus for implementation. These segments together would provide a continuous trail connection from Bellingham Park to the Waste Water Treatment Plant, with trailheads at each end. Getting this stretch of rail on the ground could be used as a tool to get residents familiar with the benefits of a trail outside of a park, and provide support for a connection to the north and south. View from Johnson Dairy Road looking south * segment facts and estimated cost to construct Proposed Alignment

32 Proposed Alignment Segment 8 Shearers Road Rocky Dye Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant River Johnson Dairy Road R o c k y R i v e r Iredell County Mecklenburg County Cabarrus County NTS

33 corridor segment 8 Johnson Dairy Road to Iredell County Line vicinity map trail builder Town of Mooresville / Iredell County trail funding strategy Grant NCDOT Transportation Funding Recreational Trails Program Private Funding Campaign 8 segment facts* Total Length: 12,600 lf/2.38 miles Trail: 0 lf R/W: 12,600 lf Road Crossings/Intersections: 4 River Crossing: 1 Recommended Trail Surface: Pedestrians utilize existing sidewalks and bikes share the road. Where no sidewalks exist, the cost estimate has included the cost of new 5 sidewalk on 1 side. estimated costs Trail Construction: $0 New Sidewalk: $315,000 Road Crossings: $4,000 Stream Crossings: $300,000 Johnson Dairy Road bridge route description The Preferred Alignment for this segment would pass under Johnson Dairy Road bridge, following Dye Creek on its east side until its convergence with Rocky River. The trail continues to follow Rocky River on its east side until it reaches the Iredell County line. Pedestrian underpass opportunities at Johnson Dairy Road bridge. The Proposed Alignment would pass under Johnson Dairy Road from the new wastewater treatment facility and cross over Rocky River and continue along the south side of Johnson Dairy Road utilizing pedestrian and bicycle facilities within the right of way. The trail then turns south on the east side of Shearers Road also using pedestrian and bicycle facilities within the right of way until it reaches the Iredell County line. opportunities and challenges 1. Segment 8 face challenges with numerous tributary crossings and significant amounts of wetlands which need to be avoided. 2. Much of the land adjacent to the corridor is used for hunting, with parcel ownership straddling both sides of Rocky River. Property owners in this area expressed concerns about greenway users interfering with hunting and trespassing off the trail. (see Trail and Hunting guidelines in the Appendix. View from Johnson Dairy Road looking south * segment facts and estimated cost to construct Proposed Alignment

34 solicited to identify a preferred trail surface and segment prioritization. For the trail surface exercise, the public was asked to identify their preference for trail surface types: natural surface (Figure 1), crushed stone (Figure 2), or asphalt (Figure 3). Asphalt surface was identified as the preference (Refer to Appendix, Meeting #1 and Meeting #2 Summary for results). Public input was also solicited to rank if certain segments had a higher priority with regards to implementation. This exercise helped identify which segment may be phased. Segment 4 was given the highest priority, followed by Segment 5 (Refer to Appendix, Meeting #1 Summary for vote totals). proposed alignment With the outreach and input from property owners, residents, stakeholders, and guidance from the steering committee, a Proposed Alignment was identified. The map shown on page 15 is the Proposed Alignment for Route Y. As the map illustrates, a significant portion of the Preferred Alignment is reflected. When the greenway cannot follow the Preferred Alignment, the map shows alternative alignments (yellow dots/squares) until the opportunity presents itself to follow the preferred corridor. Also shown are secondary connections (orange dots/ squares) offering greenway users the ability to link to schools facilities nearby. Existing trail in the Abersham Preserve. Existing trail in near the study area. The map also illustrates proposed trail facilities and bridge crossings associated with the trail alignment. Additionally, within the southern portion of Route Y, design consideration and/or trail user guidelines for the integration of greenway trail and hunting should be further explored with property owners, should greenway easements be available in the future along the preferred alignment. 34

35 Appendix

36 appendix Criteria Matrix evaluation criteria for alternative alignments Landowner Support Is the property owner willing to allow a greenway easement on their property? LANDOWNER IMPACTS Are there significant impacts to adjacent property owners with the location of the trail? constructability Is the trail alignment location currently ready and feasible for implementation of the trail? COST TO CONSTRUCT USE SAFETY What are the costs related to constructing the trail? Which location provides the safest alternative between trail users and vehicular traffic? USER FUNCTIONALITY & APPEAL REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY & APPEAL AESTHETIC IMPACTS FOR ADJACENT USES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Which location does the trail function more efficiently as part of the entire trail system, connecting to other facilities and access? Does the trail location provide connection to future routes and within the planned corridor? Does the trail location improve the aesthetic appearance of the corridor? Does the location impact surrounding environmental systems? Criteria matrix description of evaluation factors. 36

37 appendix Criteria Matrix Trail Route Evaluation Criteria (with highest number being preferred impact) Landowner Support Criteria Description / Points Willing Property Owner = Hesitant Property Owner = 5-9 Unwilling property Owner = 0-4 Maximum Score 15 Landowner Impact No physical changes to the property = 10 Minor physical changes to the property = 5 Significant physical changes to the property = 0 Constructability feasible and ready for implementation = 10 requires further study but likely = 5 requires significant study and highly unlikely = 0 Cost to Construct < $200K mile = 10 $200-$500K = 5 > $500 mile = 0 User Safety User Functionality and Appeal (users include bikes, pedestrians, possibly equestrian, of varying abilities) complete separation of users from vehicles = 8 subtract points for roadway crossings based on speed, curves and amount of traffic 1-8 Based on below: Sufficient width +/ connects to other facilities perception of safety easily accessible mild slopes scenic quality Regional Connectivity & Appeal Provides future link = 2 Tourism Appeal = 2 Environmental Appeal = 2 Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Uses (homes, roadways) Improves aesthetics up to 5 Devalues aesthetics (proximity, clearing, viewsheds) - remove points Environmental Impacts Protects top of bank = 2 Avoids steep slopes and wetlands = 1 Avoids ESA s = 1 Minimal land disturbance required = Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 37

38 appendix Alignment Analysis Matrix SEGMENT 1 Along E Gray Ave from S. Main Street, Smith Street to Shearers Road, to College following utility easement to Dye Creek, along Dye Creek to south portion of the abandoned sewer plant. Alternative: From Academy Street Park along E. Brawley Ave. to Summer St. through Nesbit Park to Mills Ave, following utility corridor to south portion of the abandoned sewer plant. Trail Location Criteria Weight West of Creek East of Creek Alternative Landowner Support Landowner Impacts Constructability Cost to Construct User Safety User Functionality and Appeal Regional Connectivity & Appeal Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Users Environmental Impacts TOTAL NOTE: assumed roadway to be creek until reaching abandoned sewer plant 1. not heard from all landowners 2. no existing sidewalks SEGMENT 2 Abandoned sewer plant to White Oaks Road Trail Location Criteria Weight West of Creek East of Creek Landowner Support Landowner Impacts Constructability Cost to Construct User Safety User Functionality and Appeal Regional Connectivity & Appeal Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Users Environmental Impacts TOTAL not heard from all landowners 2. tributary crossings 38

39 appendix Alignment Analysis Matrix SEGMENT 3 White Oaks Road to Bellingham Park Trail Location Criteria Weight West of Creek East of Creek Landowner Support Landowner Impacts Constructability Cost to Construct User Safety User Functionality and Appeal Regional Connectivity & Appeal Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Users Environmental Impacts TOTAL not heard from all landowners 2. White Oaks Road crossing SEGMENT 4 Bellingham Park to Town of Mooresville property Trail Location Criteria Weight West of Creek East of Creek Landowner Support Landowner Impacts Constructability Cost to Construct User Safety User Functionality and Appeal Regional Connectivity & Appeal Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Users Environmental Impacts TOTAL not heard from all landowners Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 39

40 appendix Alignment Analysis Matrix SEGMENT 5 Town of Mooresville property to Rocky River Road Trail Location Criteria Weight West of Creek East of Creek Landowner Support Landowner Impacts Constructability Cost to Construct User Safety User Functionality and Appeal Regional Connectivity & Appeal Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Users Environmental Impacts TOTAL not heard from all landowners 2. avoidance of wetlands, trail farther from creek SEGMENT 6 Rocky River Road to Curtis Pond Subdivision Trail Location Criteria Weight West of Creek East of Creek Landowner Support Landowner Impacts Constructability Cost to Construct User Safety User Functionality and Appeal Regional Connectivity & Appeal Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Users Environmental Impacts TOTAL not heard from all landowners 2. avoidance of wetlands, trail farther from creek 3. tributary crossings 4. road crossing 40

41 appendix Alignment Analysis Matrix SEGMENT 7 Curtis Pond Subdivision to Johnson Dairy Road Trail Location Criteria Weight West of Creek East of Creek Landowner Support Landowner Impacts Constructability Cost to Construct User Safety User Functionality and Appeal Regional Connectivity & Appeal Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Users Environmental Impacts TOTAL avoidance of wetlands, trail farther from creek SEGMENT 8 Johnson Dairy Road to Iredell County line Trail Location Criteria Weight West of River East of River Landowner Support Landowner Impacts ,3 Constructability Cost to Construct ,3 User Safety User Functionality and Appeal Regional Connectivity & Appeal Aesthetic Impacts for Adjacent Users Environmental Impacts TOTAL not heard from all landowners 2. avoidance of wetlands, trail farther from creek 3. tributary crossings 4. road crossings Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 41

42 appendix Opinion of Probable Cost OPINION OF PROBABLE COST - preferred alignment* Segment 1 Segment 2 Item Description Unit Cost Unit Quantity Cost Quantity Cost Asphalt Trail Surface (10ft wide) $75.00 lf 2300 $172, $420, Concrete Sidewalk (5ft) $25.00 lf 2450 $61, $0.00 Road/Intersection Crossing $1, EA 4 $4, $0.00 Stream Crossing $100, lf 1 $100, $300, River Crossing $300, lf 0 $0.00 $0.00 Railroad Crossing $ lf 60 $13,500 $0.00 Total $351, $720, Segment 3 Segment 4 Item Description Unit Cost Unit Quantity Cost Quantity Cost Asphalt Trail Surface (10ft wide) $75.00 lf 1700 $127, $127, Concrete Sidewalk (5ft) $25.00 lf $ $0.00 Road/Intersection Crossing $1, EA $ $0.00 Stream Crossing $100, lf $ $100, River Crossing $300, lf $0.00 $0.00 Railroad Crossing $ lf $0.00 $0.00 Total $127, $227, Segment 5 Segment 6 Item Description Unit Cost Unit Quantity Cost Quantity Cost Asphalt Trail Surface (10ft wide) $75.00 lf 1700 $127, $266, Concrete Sidewalk (5ft) $25.00 lf $ $0.00 Road/Intersection Crossing $1, EA $ $0.00 Stream Crossing $100, lf $ $100, River Crossing $300, lf $0.00 $0.00 Railroad Crossing $ lf $0.00 $0.00 Total $127, $366, Segment 7 Segment 8 Item Description Unit Cost Unit Quantity Cost Quantity Cost Asphalt Trail Surface (10ft wide) $75.00 lf 3000 $225, $566, Concrete Sidewalk (5ft) $25.00 lf $ $0.00 Road/Intersection Crossing $1, EA $ $0.00 Stream Crossing $100, lf $ $200, River Crossing $300, lf $ $300, Railroad Crossing $ lf $0.00 $0.00 Total $225, $1,066,

43 appendix Opinion of Probable Cost OPINION OF PROBABLE COST - proposed alignment* Segment 1 Segment 2 Item Description Unit Cost Unit Quantity Cost Quantity Cost Asphalt Trail Surface (10 wide) $75.00 lf 2300 $172, $191, Concrete Sidewalk (5 ) $25.00 lf 2450 $61, $67, Road/Intersection Crossing $1, EA 4 $4, $13, Stream Crossing $100, lf 1 $100, $100, River Crossing $300, lf 0 $0.00 $0.00 Railroad Crossing $ lf 60 $13,500 $0.00 Total $351, $371, Segment 3 Segment 4 Item Description Unit Cost Unit Quantity Cost Quantity Cost Asphalt Trail Surface (10 wide) $75.00 lf 0 $ $127, Concrete Sidewalk (5 ) $25.00 lf 0 $ $87, Road/Intersection Crossing $1, EA 0 $ $ Stream Crossing $100, lf $ $100, River Crossing $300, lf $0.00 $0.00 Railroad Crossing $ lf $0.00 $0.00 Total $0.00 $317, Segment 5 Segment 6 Item Description Unit Cost Unit Quantity Cost Quantity Cost Asphalt Trail Surface (10 wide) $75.00 lf 800 $60, $266, Concrete Sidewalk (5 ) $25.00 lf 3600 $90, $0.00 Road/Intersection Crossing $1, EA $0.00 $0.00 Stream Crossing $100, lf $ $100, River Crossing $300, lf $0.00 $0.00 Railroad Crossing $ lf $0.00 $0.00 Total $150, $366, Segment 7 Segment 8 Item Description Unit Cost Unit Quantity Cost Quantity Cost Asphalt Trail Surface (10 wide) $75.00 lf 3000 $225, $0.00 Concrete Sidewalk (5 ) $25.00 lf 0 $ $315, Road/Intersection Crossing $1, EA $ $4, Stream Crossing $100, lf $0.00 $0.00 River Crossing $300, lf $ $300, Railroad Crossing $ lf $0.00 $0.00 Total $225, $619, Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 43

44 appendix Cost Estimate Assumptions *Assumptions Cost of asphalt surface trail assumes a 10 wide trail. Cost of tributary crossing 100K, river crossing 300K. Avoids wetlands. Cost for river crossings between segments will be with the segment to the south of the crossing. Minimal topography, clearing and grading. Does not include equestrian trail for comparison purposes. Segment 4 cost does not include existing 2500lf of Bellingham Park Greenway. 10 asphalt surface $75, does not included cost of row land acquisitions or easements. 5 concrete $25, does not included row land acquisitions or sidewalk easement. Assumes existing sidewalk on one side along Magnolia and Fieldstone Road. Rail Crossings unit cost assumes 1 side for ped/bike asphalt surface. Multiplied by 2 for improvements on both sides. Estimate does not include the cost for land acquisition. 44

45 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, 2012 Mooresville Route Y Stakeholder Interviews :00pm Meeting location: Development Service Conference Room, 1 st floor, Mooresville Town Hall Design Team Present: Neil Burke-Town of Mooresville Beth Poovey landdesign Matt vinten - landdesign Each stakeholder interview began with an overview of the, the current planning effort with the Town of Mooresville, project schedule, and the draft goals and objectives :00-9:45 Debbie Marsh, South Elementary School Principal NOTES: Debbie: 15 years as principal of South Elementary School, 560 students, K-3 18 year as resident near elementary school Biggest concerning is safety Have natural trail along south property line; trail maintenance is an issue with poison ivy Many people will park at the high school and walk run a loop to Bellingham Park Would like to see call boxes along the trail; school seems to be in a low spot for cell phones and 2-way radios Gas pipeline along north side of property line Would be great to connect existing school trail to greenway Once a year they bus kids to Bellingham Park. Would be good to have trail connection to Bellingham Park and Edgemoor Park Neil: 2015 city sidewalk to connect South Elementary, Bellingham and Middle School Debbie: Have seen horses on other side of creek coming onto school property also see 4wheels up towards Shearers Road. Sidewalks - hard surface users have sidewalks Need a good place for cross county, greenway would be a good place, a loop between schools would be good. Kistler no good place to connect from Bellingham park to the 3 schools Briarcliff not a good place to walk. Takes students about 20 minutes to get from school to creek 3 soccer fields are used on weekend by several groups. Beth: school being used as a school park? Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 45

46 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, 2012 Debbie: Some mis-use of property on weekend. Would like to look for better access to rear of the property and the amphitheater. Principal of high school is cross-country coach PTSO meeting in March Neil to leave information for other school about CTT meetings :00-10:45 Carl Robbins, Chief of Police Curt Deaton, Assistant fire Chief Wanda McKenzie, Director of Recreation NOTES: Carl: Greenways are great ideas, promote walkability, properties on the greenway should get lots of attention from buyers. Police calls are rare about disturbance on existing greenway in Bellingham Park, most issues being dirt bikes on the trail. Believes most of complaints will be about dirt bikes or ATvs on the future greenway. Wanda: She agreed with Police Chief Robbins about the police calls concerning dirt bikes on the paved areas and trails. Carl: Department is putting in their budget for the coming years for the purchase of electric Segway for patrolling trouble. for homeowners, the safety of the greenways from people accessing the greenway and the potential for vandalism and breaking and entering. Perception of safety should be addressed with neighbors. Police department does have several officers that are certified bike officers, but do not have a bike patrol. They are looking to hire more officers for walking patrol and bike patrols. Beth: What about access to greenway for medical emergencies? Curte: Would like to be able to get at least a leaf pickup truck along corridor for emergencies. They do have ATv for trail emergencies. Concerned about City and County response of emergencies along the corridor depending on greenway trail location being either in city or county limits. Carl: Do you gate the access? Man-made access versus natural access how do you access the greenway trail. Need to keep that in mind. Beth: More access is better; use of removable bollards. Carl: It will be a give and take with those using the greenway trail; those using it correctly and those who choose to disobey laws and ordinances. He mentioned the skate park being used after hours and at night when it is closed. They use car headlights to light the park. Beth: What about the surface of the trail? 46

47 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, 2012 Wanda: Noted she was a runner. Waste if greenway is not paved; used Mecklenburg County as example of paved greenways. If not paved it would be a maintenance nightmare Beth: Asphalt section with separated natural trail? Curt: we have an ATv with stretcher on a trailer. Could use that for emergency calls; likes the ideas of removable bollards at access points. Neil: Could use bridge crossings for access points Curt: Well marked access points or numbering system along the greenway for emergency purposes. users are able to give location along greenway for faster response time. fire would need to understand wayfinding system. like idea of access off of main roads with bollards to control unwanted vehicle access. Wanda: Boy Scout would be a great opportunity group for service projects and Eagle Scout projects. Agrees with well-marked access points and points along the greenway Beth: Who would be responsible for maintenance of the greenway? Wanda: Building and grounds is maintained by Recreation Department. They do not provide maintenance for the parks only for facilities and their associated grounds. Parks are maintained by the Public Works department. Recreation department has only 18 full time staff mostly for facility managers and programming staff. Previously had grant for construction of greenway which would begin at liberty Park. Grant was returned due to citizen s distaste. Beth: What about the floodplain and its flooding levels? Wanda: does not think the creek rises and falls much Wanda: There is hunting along the south part of the proposed greenway, duck impound on west side of creek near the south part of the greenway. Public should be well informed about the use of greenways and access. Carl: Education to public about the proper use of greenways is important; especially what users can and cannot be done on a greenway. Beth: What about equestrian use? Curt: Heavy use of equestrians mixed with children has the perception of not being safe. May not be Carl: Greenway has the opportunity to be open to a variety of users. Maybe portions of the greenway are open to equestrians in the county or more rural sections of the greenway. Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 47

48 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, 2012 Neil: NC 3 based on the 2030 transportation plan will be a 4 lane road section with future connections to the lowes campus from NC 3. Beth: Programming for running greenway? Wanda: none currently, a few runs sponsored by the Recreation Department Beth: Nature Programming? Wanda: none to date Carl: Is there a time for the greenway? Beth: We are in the preliminary stages of the planning process. This process is to determine the routing and recommendations for the. Beyond that, Town of Mooresville in partnership with CTT would begin the implementation process through applying for grants and Town CIP funds for land acquisitions, acquiring greenway easements, design fees, etc. Carl: Would like to talk with other Police Departments that have greenways on the ground concerning their patrolling and how they handle greenway security. Beth: Recommended Mecklenburg County, Statesville, Cary General comments: Bellingham Park in favor of connection of neighborhood parks to surrounding neighborhoods via sidewalks :00-11:45 Alan Johnson, NC DENR Michael Burhardt, NC DENR NOTES: Alan: Bridges on all stream crossings, boardwalks for wetlands. Be off the creek as much as possible. Steep bank, ensized, cut down near Bellingham Park. There are no buffers for the streams or creek. Dye Creek appears to be a Class C stream. Stay off of top of bank and away as far as possible Beth: filling in the floodplain? Alan: floodplain is the local jurisdiction, while the wetlands are NC DENR. Need to do a walk and conduct an evaluation. Beth: Stream restoration? Alan: Stream restoration does not require permitting, inspection only. Stream restoration offers great value and stabilizations along creek. Work around the trees when planning route, not only 48

49 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, inch caliper, but also 5-6 inch trees as well. Minimize tree remove especially around the top of bank. Beth: What about crossings? Alan: use bridges whenever possible. using culverts would need to be with multiple culverts to avoid damming and keep the natural flow of the creek. Prefer the grading for the installation of the greenway trail to be sheet flow to mimic the natural hydrology flow of the floodplain watershed. Avoid designing channels which will cause additional erosion. General Comments: Would need wetlands certification based on age of GIS data as some area may have been removed or added. Army Corp nationwide permits if impacting water John finan, Public Works Jon Young, Engineering, family owns property to the south NOTES Finan: What type of surface is the trail going to be? Beth: That is part of the process when are going through for this section of greenway. We will be asking through the different outreach meeting what type of surface is wanted; asphalt or natural surface. Young: Horses might be a good opportunity towards the lower end of the trail. Do you section it off? Is there an easement or ROW for the greenway? Beth: the land needed for the greenway can be obtained several ways, but a greenway easement or fees simple are the most commons. Young: What happens if trail users come onto neighboring property? liability issues? Beth: Randi could better answer the questions, but Mecklenburg County assumes liability for the greenway. Finan: How much right do property owners have to install fence on their property along the greenway to keep people off of property beyond easement. Beth: not an ideal situation for the natural movement of animals and keeping the pristine natural surroundings, but if it gets an easement for the greenway, it can be written into the agreement. Young: They hunt on family property and lease additional property on the west side of the creek. Safety concerns on the rural sections of the creek with the trail and users during hunting season. Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 49

50 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, 2012 Beth: May need to close the greenway during hunting season. Young: Hunting season for deer is Sept-feb, turkey season is April and May. They use Bluebird farm for duck hunting, conservative trust, leasing for hunting. Young: May have hard time with donation of land, better opportunity with tax incentives. Finan: who is responsible for maintenance? Wanda has no staff for maintenance, would be park of Public Works responsibility. lots of stone. Beth: May have a joint maintenance agreement with county. Stone would be more maintenance than asphalt. Finan: Will ask Iredell County for thoughts on trail ownership and maintenance. Other things to maintain along trail; trash, benches, etc. Beth: Those things could be located at trailheads and access points. Young: Maintenance trail maintenance off of trail of corridor will be a continuous process. Finan: Expectation of town to maintain trail within town limits, downtown to Bellingham Park. Young: Need to look at impervious creation by greenway need BMP? Would need to be raised during permitting, may or may not be an issue. Decision would be made by Town of Mooresville. Iredell may look at it differently. Iredell County is responsible for building permits. Finan: Where are you with funding? Beth: All finding is the responsibility of the Town. We can work with the Town and CTT to apply for grants and matching grants. Currently have grant for study. Town can apply for grants for CDs and implementation General Comments: Recreation Department does not really use or review plans. No rise certification fema State :00-1:45 Patrick Norman, NC DOT Steve Bridges, NC DOT NOTES: used Google earth to review potential trail road crossings and available access points. Would prefer grade separated crossings for trail. Johnson Dairy and Rocky River are NCDOT roads and bridges 50

51 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, 2012 Patrick: Any trialhead locations? Beth: None at this time, still in the alignment planning stages Patrick: not high on at grade street crossings White Oak looks to be an at grade trail crossing. Beth: will do a Z crossing for both trail user and vehicular safety. Rocky River will be a 4 lane median divided road section based on 2030 transportation plan. Beth: If there is no property access on lower sections of the greenway due to hunting, may need to alignment greenway along a road corridor. Patrick: if next to road would need proper clearances; 55mph road require 15ft clearance beyond the ROW, 45mph 12ft clearance beyond ROW. Beth: What about reduce speed limits neat potential road crossings? Steve: would require more development to reduce speed limit. General Comments: Brawley sidewalk and drainage issues with NCDOT White Oaks recently inspected Rocky River recently replace? Will have a better understanding of bridge conditions and opportunities for grade separated or at grade crossings during the site walks :00-2:45 Gwen Cook, Mecklenburg County Greenways londa Strong, Cabarrus County Parks Director NOTES: Would be a good idea to contact Iredell County Parks and Recreation director Robert Woody, to talk about the CTT greenways and where the counties stand on greenways. Neil: Would be good for the Town of Mooresville Board to tour greenway facilities of both Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County. Gwen: Town or city greenway master plan is the counties master plan. Depending on Town or City the agreement of who builds and who maintains is different. Londa: There was a joint effort for the county to develop master plan for the county. usually the county will build the parks and then are handed over to the towns. Currently have about 30 miles of greenway in the county. Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 51

52 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, 2012 Gwen: Need a local buy-in for maintenance and operations. Londa: Citizens will connect once they see it on the ground Beth: what is the plan for Rocky River? Gwen: submitted for a TIGER 3 grant, looking at possible TIGER 4 Londa: Cabarrus county and Kannapolis greenway momentum is building from speedway to county line along Rocky River. It would be a great opportunity with Mooresville s plans from north to south greenway momentum to the county line to connect greenways of Iredell County and Cabarrus County. Gwen: Mecklenburg County could have potential to build greenway to connect from new Abersham Park towards Cabarrus County/Rocky River to the east. Beth: Might be great opportunity for the Mooresville CTT Route Y to connect to Abersham Park if hunting on southern properties become a major alignment obstacle. Londa: Morganton Greenway built business associated with greenway users along the greenway. Construct board walk and shops to support users. Gwen: Corporation located to areas that have greenways as a quality of life, livability for employees. It would be good idea to put people on buses for trail tours when they are looking for areas to relocate businesses. Londa: Kannapolis working on Route A, Gary Mills, parks director, would be good to contact and see what they are planning for greenways Gwen: Mecklenburg County does not allow greenways in sewer easements. londa: Midland has blueway and is marketing to Charlotte businesses looking to relocate as an amenity. Kannapolis supports greenways. During public input, it would be good to let the public know why greenways are good for you to property owners :00-3:45 Kirk Ballard, Mooresville/South Iredell Chamber of Commerce NOTES: Kirk: Economic development for the area is 2/3 Mooresville and 1/3 South Iredell County. The greenway regional is a great opportunity to connect other communities and there is enough space for development to happen along the way. 52

53 appendix Meeting Minutes, Stakeholder Interviews - February 9, 2012 Kirk: Connectivity is very positive. It is attractive from outside the area with respect to individuals and business and people wanted to know what is going on in a positive perspective. Kirk: years ago when Burlington and Belk s closed, people as what are we going to do? An identity change happened, tourism; nascar, lake, sports. Kirk: from a employers perspective rate housing #1 and schools #2 when locating or relocating a business. Beth: How can greenways be used to attract businesses and the economics behind then? Kirk: Greenways are a quality of life and stress relief factor that are looked at by employers. They are outdoor activities that are family oriented and used. They can be considered as rolling parks and also bring in the environmental factors as well. Kirk: from the employee, there is a focus on kids. What are the things for me and my family to do together. They give advantages for my kids I may not have had, from education to parks and greenways. Greenways are parks, but with a natural environment. Neil gave Kirk press release and fliers about upcoming meetings to post at the chamber NOTE: These notes represent the author s interpretation of the comments made during the stakeholder interview process. Any discrepancies should be given to the author for correction. Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 53

54 appendix Public Meeting #1 Summary - February 21 & 23, 2012 Mooresville Route Y Property Owners Preview & Public Open House February 21 & 23 3:30 8:00 pm Meeting Summary: The first public meeting was divided into two days to help cover the 6 mile project study area. Each day was divided into two groups, Property Owners Preview and Public Open House. The february 21 meeting invited property owners adjacent to Dye Creek and the public located north of South Elementary School along the project study area. The february 23 meeting was open to property owners adjacent to Dye Creek/Rocky River and the public who lived south of South Elementary School along the project study area. Each meeting was an open house format, in which attendees were given an overview of the project, project study area, given exercises to participate in and view a looping slide show for the project study area. Attendees were allowed to move freely within the exhibits and ask any questions or give written comments to the project team. Property owners adjacent to Dye Creek/Rocky River along the planned corridor were given individual invitations to attend the Property Owners Preview meetings. The public was invited to attend the Public Open House meetings through press releases, mailings, and flyers February 21 Meeting location: South Elementary School, Media Room Project Team Present: Neil Burke, Town of Mooresville Allison Kraft, Town of Mooresville Randi Gates, Ann Browning, Beth Poovey, landdesign Matt vinten, landdesign Elinor Hiltz, Iredell County Property Owner Preview, 3:30-6:30pm: Each property owner was greeted, asked to sign-in and given handouts about the Carolina Thread Trail and an exercise sheet for them to use during their visit. Each property owner was given an overview of the, the current planning effort within the Town of Mooresville, project schedule, and the draft goals and objectives by a member of the project team. Property owners were then escorted to the exhibits outlining the project study area, preferred trail surface exercise, and trail segment priority exercise. After reviewing the exhibits, each property owner was allowed to discuss their willingness to allow access of the Carolina Thread Trail on their property. Owners were asked to identify their property on a 200scale map 54

55 appendix Public Meeting #1 Summary - February 21 & 23, 2012 and indicate their willingness to allow a greenway access easement on their property by placing a colored dot on their property; Green dot Willing Property Owner, Yellow dot Hesitant Property owner, Red dot unwilling Property Owner. Images of the potential trail location, existing conditions, greenway precedent and greenway information were displayed in a looping PowerPoint. Public Open House, 6:30-8:30pm: Each property owner was greeted, asked to sign-in and given handouts about the Carolina Thread Trail and an exercise sheet for them to use during their visit. Each attendee was given an overview of the, the current planning effort within the Town of Mooresville, project schedule, and the draft goals and objectives by a member of the project team. Attendees were then escorted to the exhibits outlining the project study area, trail surface exercise, and preferred trail section exercise. After each attendee was walked through the exhibits and exercises, they were asked to review the exhibits and participate in the exercise on their own. Project team members were available to answer questions at all times, if needed. Attendees were also asked to write down any comments about the trail and its location on comment sheets. Images of the potential trail location, existing conditions, greenway precedent and greenway information were displayed in a looping PowerPoint February 23 Meeting location: Coddle Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, fellowship Hall Project Team Present: Neil Burke, Town of Mooresville Randi Gates, RoxAnne Smith, Catawba lands Conservancy Joey Raczkowski, Iredell County Beth Poovey, landdesign Matt vinten, landdesign Property Owner Preview, 3:30-6:30pm: Same format and exercises as indicated above. Public Open House, 6:30-8:30pm: Same format and exercises as indicated above The following pages are the results of the public participation exercises, comment sheets, and attendee sign-in sheets received during the two days of public outreach. Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 55

56 appendix Public Meeting 1 Summary - February 21 & 23, 2012 Which trail segment is top priority to you? Which Trail Segment is Top Priority to You? Number of Tickets Segment 1 1 Segment 2 3 Segment 3 4 Segment 4 9 Segment 5 8 Segment 6 6 Segment 7 0 Segment 8 3 TOTAL 34 Trail Section - Natural Surface Trail or Asphalt Trail? Place a dot for your preference Number of Dots Natural Surface Trail 0 Granite Surface Trail 3 Asphalt Surface Trail 7 Equestrian Use? Yes-3 No - 4 NOTE: These notes represent the author s interpretation of the events during the Property Owner Preview meetings and the Public Open House meetings. Any discrepancies should be given to the author for correction. 56

57 appendix Public Meeting 2 Summary - April 23 & May 3, 2012 Mooresville Route Y Property Owners Reception & Public Open House #2 April 23 & May 3 Meeting Summary: The second public meeting was divided into two day. The first meeting was the Property Owners Preview Reception on April 23 at Merino s furniture located at the Mooresville Mill. The April 23 meeting invited property owners adjacent to Dye Creek/Rocky River along the project study area. The intent of this meeting was to give property owners the opportunity to view the Proposed Alignment prior to the Public Open House. This allowed any modifications to the Proposed Alignment should there be any change of owner willingness before it was presented at the Public Open House. The May 3 meeting was again open to property owners adjacent to Dye Creek/Rocky River and the general public. The May 3 meeting was held in The Peddler Room at the Charles Mack Citizens Center located in downtown Mooresville. Each meeting was an open house format, in which attendees were given an overview of the project, project study area, the preferred and proposed alignment and view a looping slide show for the project study area. Attendees were allowed to move freely within the exhibits and ask any questions or give written comments to the project team. Property owners adjacent to Dye Creek/Rocky River along the planned corridor were given individual invitations to attend the Property Owners Preview Reception. The public was invited to attend the Public Open House meetings through press releases, mailings, and flyers April 23, 2012 Meeting location: Merino s furniture, Mooresville Mill Project Team Present: Neil Burke, Town of Mooresville Randi Gates, Beth Poovey, landdesign Matt vinten, landdesign Property Owner Preview Reception, 6:00-7:00pm: Each property owner was greeted, asked to sign-in and given handouts about the Carolina Thread Trail for them to use during their visit. Each property owner was given an overview of the, the current planning effort within the Town of Mooresville, and a review of the Route Y corridor planning process to-date by a member of the project team. Property owners were then escorted to the Preferred Alignment map resulting from the criteria evaluation, Owner Willingness map and the Proposed Alignment map for Mooresville s Route Y of the Carolina Thread Trail. After reviewing the exhibits and proposed alignments, each property owner was Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 57

58 appendix Public Meeting 2 Summary - April 23 & May 3, 2012 again, allowed to discuss their willingness to allow access of the on their property. In addition, property owners were asked to write any additional comments on the proposed alignment that was presented. Refreshments and snacks were also provided to the property owners May 3, 2012 Meeting location: The Peddler Room, Charles Mack Citizen Center Project Team Present: Neil Burke, Town of Mooresville Allison Kraft, Town of Mooresville Randi Gates, Elinor Hiltz, Iredell County Beth Poovey, landdesign Matt vinten, landdesign Public Open House, 4:00-7:00pm: Each property owner and members of the public were greeted, asked to sign-in and given handouts about the. Each attendee was given an overview of the Carolina Thread Trail, the current planning effort within the Town of Mooresville, and a review of the Route Y corridor planning process to-date by a member of the project team. Attendees were then escorted to the Preferred Alignment map resulting from the criteria evaluation, Owner Willingness map and the Proposed Alignment map for Mooresville s Route Y of the. Project team members were available to answer questions at all times, if needed. Attendees were also asked to write down any comments about the proposed trail alignment and its location on comment sheets. The project team members also asked attendees of the meeting to place a blue dot next to their preference for the trail surface type. Images of the potential trail location, existing conditions, greenway precedent and greenway information were displayed in a looping PowerPoint. 58

59 appendix Public Meeting 2 Summary - April 23 & May 3, 2012 The image below is the trail surface exercise with dots being illustrated from the first public meeting and the second public meeting. Refer to the table for individual meeting results Trail Section - Natural Surface Trail or Asphalt Trail? Place a dot for your preference Meeting#1 Number of Dots Meeting #2 Number of Dots Natural Surface Trail 0 1 Granite Surface Trail 3 0 Asphalt Surface Trail 7 8 Equestrian Use? Yes-3 Yes - 4 No - 4 No - 1 Town of Mooresville Corridor Feasibility Study 59

60 appendix Precedent Study for Trails in Hunting Lands Hunters and Hikers: Both groups can coexist and enjoy the numerous benefits of greenways and trails Many greenway enthusiasts and hunters share a common interest of sportsmanship and land conservation. By preserving and maintaining trails, surrounding natural land areas promote the diversity inherent in local flora and fauna species while providing accessible and regularly maintained routes between designated hunting areas. By using a common-sense, know before you go approach all users can safely enjoy trails, greenways and natural lands. The following resources are available and provide additional information for both hunters and hikers: The North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest The North Carolina State Hunting Regulations Issue: Many trail users are unaware of when hunting season begins and ends. Best Practice: Where trails pass through hunted land, owners or lessees typically post informational signs indicating the hunting season schedule and a warning that property is a designated hunting zone. All trail heads that access hunted lands should provide signage identifying the property as game land and noting the schedule of open hunting season(s). Issue: Hikers may be mistaken as game by hunters. Best Practice: Trail users are encouraged to wear highly identifiable apparel such as blaze orange, avoid wearing white and remain on designated trail alignment at all times. Issue: Hikers may wander off the trail and into designated hunting areas. Best Practice: Trail corridors should be well maintained and appropriately signed to identify trail aligment. Hikers are advised to remain within designated trail aligment and not to encroach on posted private property. Issue: Hikers and hunters follow different sets of regulations and thus can cause confusion. Best Practice: Hunters and hikers are both sportsmen and conservationists alike trail and land use regulations are encouraged to be followed equally by one another. Issue: The weekends are often popular with hikers and trail users putting them at a higher risk during hunting season. Fact: North Carolina State Hunting Regulations prohibit hunting with firearms on Sundays. However, bow-hunting is permitted on Sundays Issue: A percieved increase in the amount of indivduals owning firearms is often a cause of concern for hikers and trail users along greenways and trails during hunting season. Fact: It is unlawful to possess firearms or other weapons on the greenway unless the trail is on gamelands specifically designated for hunting. Hunting firearms are allowed on trails ONLY during open hunting seasons. No uncased firearms are allowed otherwise. Issue: Hunting depletes the local fauna, thus depleting natural areas of their local habitat and diversity. Fact: Managed hunts are a tool many state park systems use to help relieve over-populated game species especially deer. 60

61